Stafford ready to make the jump

Nebraska senior safety Daimion Stafford is ready to make a jump in his game, according to head coach Bo Pelini.

Lincoln, NE - After starting all but one game last season, earning Honorable-Mention All-Big Ten honors, Nebraska senior safety Daimion Stafford is ready to take his game to a new level.

"He's really matured. He's a physically talented guy. But mentally, he's in a different place than he was a year ago," said Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini. "He's a lot more mature. He's a lot more ready for a football season and play winning football. I'm excited about Daimion."

The 6-foot-1, 205 pound hard hitting junior college transfer is in his second year with the Nebraska system. The Chaffey College product made an instant impact in the Huskers' run defense in 2011, but took some time to develop into a solid pass cover safety. By the end of the year, Stafford led the Huskers in pass breakups, to go along with his 80 tackles.

But Pelini is not just excited for Stafford's on the field outlook for the 2012 season.

"He's taken on a leadership role and has embraced a leadership role. He's doing the right things," said the head coach.

Stafford is a second team preseason All-Big Ten player according to Phil Steele.

Josh Harvey has covered college football and recruiting for Fox Sports & Scout.com since 2008. He is now the Publisher of Big Red Report, covering Nebraska athletics. Facebook | Twitter|
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